Mr Stevenson, 71 a retired Technical Trainer in the Aviation Industry and former RAF employee & Mrs Stevenson 69, a retired Personal Assistant and former Police Officer, have been living at Mickle Hill in North Pickering since 8^th May 2024, after moving from a large 4-bedroom property in Ayrshire, Scotland.

The couple first heard about Rangeford Villages after Mrs Stevenson’s sister, who lived in Wiltshire, told them about one of Rangeford Villages at Wadswick Green in Wiltshire. The couple loved the Rangeford Village style and feel; however, they ideally wanted a bungalow, and when they discovered that Mickle Hill had a range of fantastic dormer bungalows, they were delighted and decided to book a viewing.

The couple took advantage of the Rangeford ’Try Before You Buy’ scheme, which allows interested buyers to spend an overnight stay in a property to experience the Rangeford lifestyle. The couple said they were really impressed with the village upon arrival, and how well maintained it was, as well as the facilities and the friendly owners that they met on the first night, who all seemed to be really enjoying life at the village. After viewing a delightful 2-bedroom dormer bungalow with pretty countryside views, they were instantly sold and put down a deposit the next day.

All in all, the couple agree that moving to Mickle Hill is the “the best thing we’ve ever done” and would recommend it to anyone considering a similar move and who wants to enjoy a hassle-free retirement in a beautiful environment with lovely surroundings.

Having decided it was the right time to downsize, Kevin, 76, and his wife Maureen, 73, started to consider the idea of moving to Australia to be nearer to their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. However, after experiencing some health issues, the retired couple started to look at options in the UK. Kevin and Maureen came across Mickle Hill, a picturesque retirement village by Rangeford Villages in Pickering, North Yorkshire, online and felt they had found the perfect home for their new chapter.

The couple had lived for over thirty years in a four-bedroom detached house in a small market town around 70 miles away from Pickering. They had looked at a few different options, but quickly realized after visiting Mickle Hill that it ticked all of their boxes. Kevin comments: “Location was incredibly important to us. We were familiar with Pickering and we love that while benefiting from scenic surroundings, we also have good bus and train links and feel very connected.” Maureen adds: “We like that we also have places nearby like North Yorkshire Moors, Whitby, York and Leeds to enjoy a day out with family or friends.”

The homes at Mickle Hill have been designed with a modern yet practical approach. Maureen says: “We have everything we need and more. Our friend who is in a wheelchair came to stay with us recently and had no problem maneuvering around our home as it is spacious and the corridors are wide.” Kevin adds: “It’s really convenient to have a downstairs wet room which would make life much easier if we ever find ourselves in a similar situation”

When it came to moving to Mickle Hill, the couple had quite a bit to sort out in their previous home having lived there for so long. They decided to use Rangeford Village’s Home Exchange to make the process that bit easier and remove some of the stress. Kevin and Maureen started the process around Christmas time in 2023 and were moved in within a few months. They agreed that it was a “seamless process” and couldn’t have done it without the “excellent sales team” at Rangeford who they were in “constant communication” with them.

“I’m looking forward to the re-opening of the facilities especially the swimming pool and the new putting green, as well as enjoying time with my grandchildren. My daughter’s family is coming to stay next month from Berkshire, and they will have the pleasure of staying in the Wadswick Green guest suite. Similarly, my son and his family are coming to stay in the summer, which happens to coincide with several birthdays. Although I have been able to keep in regular touch with my grandchildren over zoom and facetime, I now haven’t seen them for 16 months. It will be wonderful to catch up with them in person”

“We first made contact with the Yvette Jones [Mickle Hill sales advisor] last September when we visited Mickle Hill to report back to my mother-in-law who lived in Somerset at the time. Yvette has been magnificent throughout our engagement leading to the decision to purchase the Apartment in January and through to completion and moving in last week.

Yvette has a great attitude and a warm personality and was very supportive throughout our evaluation and decision-making process. Enquires were always answered promptly and nothing was too much trouble. As an example, she even broke her Christmas leave period to allow my mother-in-law to visit Mickle Hill whilst visiting relatives in the north. It is not an exaggeration to say that Yvette actually made the entire purchase process enjoyable!”

“I founded the Musical Memories group about four years ago now. I’d been at Wadswick Green for a few months, and I thought I would set a group up and see what the interest would be. Music is really connected to people’s memories, and I find for over 60s it’s particularly true with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. I noticed how easily people remembered music and lyrics, so I thought that maybe playing music and discussing it could be a good idea.

We’ve had the Musical Memories group going for some time now, so we know each other quite well, it’s really good. When we first came to Wadswick Green we didn’t know anybody, so it’s a great way to meet people. You get to learn about people’s backgrounds, because they reminisce about their life, what they were doing when a certain song was playing on the radio… It’s a lot better than just talking about the weather!”

“The workshop is a great addition to the excellent amenities we already have at Mickle Hill. It was erected in 2019, and since then we have insulated it, lined out the inside, and painted it out. We have fitted it out with a purpose-made long joiners bench, a large table top for various activities, and a smaller bench so wheelchair users can be included as well. Two wood carving kits have been donated so we have lots of tools and equipment.

About 3 or 4 owners frequently use the workshop but all are welcome to use the tools and power tools, under supervision. On leaving school I had an apprenticeship in carpenter and joinery followed by a career in, or attached to, the Building Industry, so I enjoy sharing my skills and experience with others. We have a number of lady owners who are keen to make something in wood, not having had the opportunity before, and the making of bird boxes has been suggested.”